.Lesley Lister - MTI, CIMI
Holistic Massage Practitioner and Baby Massage Instructor
I am a Registered Practitioner with MTI (the Massage Training Institute) who specialise in holistic massage. “Holistic massage is nurturing touch involving the whole person on all levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It treats the individual as a whole rather than concentrating on physical conditions.”
My massage training was with the Academy of Natural Health based in Neals Yard, Covent Garden, London. I qualified in Holistic Massage, Anatomy and Physiology with MTI (Massage Training Institute) in May 2000. I am also a member of the General Council for Massage Therapy (GCMT) which is actively involved in setting standards for massage training in this country.
The birth of my daughter Katie, now 7 years old, introduced me to infant massage and I qualified as a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI) in March 2002. I also have specific expertise for Massage in Pregnancy and am currently completing a Massage and Pregnancy Diploma course with the APNT (Association of Physical and Natural Therapists). See section on Pregnancy and Motherhood.
How does massage work?
Massage is the systematic manipulation of soft tissue using a form of touch, which promotes comfort and relaxation. Working on the skin with soft tissues and muscles has an effect on all major and minor systems of the body. It improves general health and enables deep relaxation or re-energising, as well as relief from aches, pain or stiffness. It fosters self-esteem, helping people to become more aware and accepting of their body, their emotional life and their past. Regular holistic massage also helps to maintain good health whilst preventing tiredness and undue stress.
Everyone can benefit from massage, from its calming and healing properties. It enables you to relax and enjoy the feeling of being cared for, allowing the physical and psychological benefits to combine to produce a sense of wellbeing. People come for a range of reasons from a general relaxation session to more specific conditions. To quote one of Lesley’s regular clients who travels in from the Peak District “I have found Lesley to be a really skilled and sensitive massage practitioner, helping keep my early-stage arthritis at bay. Her calm and professional approach makes the whole process very relaxing too.” The effects of massage are cumulative. After one massage, the effects will last for a short time, but the more regular the treatments, the longer the effects appear to last.
- Sense of well being
- Reduces stress
- Promotes deep relaxation
- Improves muscle tone
- Energising - relieves physical and mental tiredness
- Helps you sleep better
- Encourages the removal of
toxins through the lymphatic system.
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- High blood pressure
- Post-viral syndrome (ME)
- Depression
- Headaches and migraines
- Back pain
- Neck and shoulder aches
Massage is particularly helpful in pregnancy and childbirth, providing a nurturing, supportive and relaxing environment during this time of change. It supports the physical changes in the body and can relieve specific conditions e.g. muscle tension, lower back pain, poor circulation and swollen ankles. It promotes deep relaxation and can help with sleep problems.
Baby massage is a very special way to communicate with your baby and can also promote sleep and relieve colic. It also provides an opportunity to meet other mothers in a safe and supportive environment. Specific strokes are taught to help alleviate common baby ailments.
For details of combined baby massage and postnatal yoga classes see Links: Olivia Lester www.yogabirthsheffield.co.uk